As I've said before, this year's nest is lower in the Mangrove, so no eggs were ever seen. Last time, a hint of a little gray blob was observable, and FINALLY I saw the chick. Say hello to Waldo, so-named because I've been looking for him for a long time! It seems clear now that there's only one chick. Last year there were 2 until they got to this size, and then one suddenly disappeared. Waldo is visible most days now as he climbs to the rim of the nest, and becoming more active.
While watching for this, I really wasn't paying attention to the anhinga nesting activity going on all around the GBH nest! There must be at least 10 anhinga nests with activity, in this very same tree.
In this photo above, there's a hint of chick almost in the center of the frame. There will be many more to come.
The Little Blue Herons (LBH) are now getting more active as well. Yearlings from last year (still white, not turning color yet) have been returning to their nesting tree in the evenings, and the adults seem to poking around for nest locations. Last year it was very active for the LBH's in April, and I expect the same this year.
On the reptilian front, alert readers prior to the holidays wanted to see baby gators, and they are now following mom around all over. I counted 10 babies the other day. There are 7 in the photo below.
You can see a couple in the foreground (and behind) while mom naps in the sun.
More to come - it's getting pretty exciting now.
Be sure to mark April 22 on your calendar - if you're local, drop by my booth at Art in the Park in Seminole City Park (10am - 4pm)
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